Veterans Career Mentoring Program

Rationale and Purpose: With veterans leaving the military in record numbers, many are entering college and
are eager to start a new stage of life working in the civilian community. The University
of South Florida Veterans Career Mentoring Program offers its student veterans the
unique opportunity to develop a relationship with a professional working within their
desired career field. This mentor program provides the student with precise career
advice and networking opportunities in the field of their study as they transition
into a career after college. Our mentor program models success in many diverse markets,
offering insight from industry professionals as veterans find success beyond their
service. Some of our mentors are veterans themselves, while others are nonveterans
who are passionate about supporting our goals. This program is open to students at
all levels of their studies as we feel it is never too early to begin getting connected.

Program Summary: The USF Veteran Career Mentoring Program is designed to provide opportunities for
USF student veterans to learn from local business and community leaders how to best
prepare for employment within the civilian community. Having a mentor should create
networking opportunities in the veterans' desired career fields that may ultimately
lead to internships or employment.

Our program is flexible and allows mentors and student veterans the space to create
their own timelines and levels of commitment. The USF Veteran's Mentoring Program
affords the Tampa Bay community the unique opportunity to bridge the gap for the men
and women who have served the nation.

Program Goals:

Provide USF student veterans with opportunities to develop relationships with successful
local business and community leaders that will enhance their ability to transition
from USF into the local workforce.

Enable USF student veterans to increase their knowledge of the local job market, employer
expectations, and skills necessary to be successful.

Increase the veteran's confidence in their knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well
as their ability to succeed in the local civilian workforce.

Benefits of Mentoring: Both mentors and mentees benefit from investing time in a mentoring partnership.
Mentors develop leadership skills, make connections as volunteers, and experience
the rewards that come with helping others develop and succeed. Mentees gain confidence,
make connections, and gain the inside industry knowledge needed to make informed career
decisions. Further, mentees learn how to be a mentor, which will allow them to return
the favor to other veterans.